LeBron James
For The Kid From Akron, it all started in Cleveland. Growing up in Ohio, it felt like destiny when the Cleveland Cavaliers were able to land LeBron James with the first pick in the 2003 NBA Draft.
He spent his first seven seasons in The Land, taking home a pair of MVP’s, while taking the team to their first-ever trip to the NBA Finals. Four years after bolting for Miami, he came back and delivered on the promise of bringing that championship to the Cavs.
While he’s been playing with the Lakers for these past eight years, every visit to Cleveland has felt like something special.
Last year, his son Bronny James got to take the court where his father first shined brightest. It’s always special when he returns, and this one should be no different.
Now at 41 years of age though, might this be the last time he plays in Cleveland as a visitor?
Let’s discuss.
LeBron James and the Lakers Set for Visit to Cleveland
It will never not be a big deal when LeBron James is back in Cleveland. Tonight’s game on ESPN is going to be another brilliant one. Now playing in his 25th game against the team he spent 11 years with, James has posted a 19-5 record against them in head-to-head action.
Last season, the Cavs took both games in the series, though anything can happen this year. Evan Mobley will not be suiting up following news of another calf strain, while a false report had claimed Austin Reaves would be returning. Both stars will not be there to provide aid.
It will be on Luka Doncic and Donovan Mitchell to carry their respective team to victory in a highly contested battle. The bigger news though, is if it will be LeBron’s last trip to Cleveland. In his 23rd season, James has still been playing at a high level. But there has also been a bit of a clear drop-off in other areas.
All the new Lakers drama coming out is also very curious. Could it lead to him finishing his career somewhere else? The only team who would make sense for a player of James’ caliber would in fact be his former Cavs club.
Financially speaking, both teams are in a tight spot. Even in free agency, apron rules stipulate that the moves haves to be carefully orchestrated.
It is certainly a possibility that this will be his last time playing in The Land. But on the other hand, James hasn’t announced anything and in the modern age, announcing retirement ahead of time has been the move.
Importance of Enjoying Cavs vs. Lakers Tonight
The Cleveland Cavaliers have tied their longest winning streak of the year at four games. They come into tonight riding as high as they have all season like. The Lakers on the other hand have won two in a row and are 5-5 in their past 10.
LA is one game up on Minnesota and Phoenix for the #5 spot in a crowded Western Conference. These are two teams that will battle to the final whistle in a game that most will be tuned in for.
It’s a treat to get to watch LeBron James play basketball in Cleveland. As is the case too, with Donovan Mitchell, who just dropped 45 in a victory over the Orlando Magic two days ago.
Don’t take for granted that we have LeBron rocking it in year 23. That both of these teams have been competitive all year will make this a promising matchup.
Only James knows what his next move is. While everybody waits for his ultimate decision, let’s sit back and get ready for a thriller tonight in the 216.